Korean Job Discussion Forums

Lockness · Joined: 03 Sep 2007

I quite often give money to beggars and homeless people, just change or a couple of chunons. I've never seen Koreans doing this and I have witnessed some waykoks spreading the wealth. That reminds me of a funny story:
I had just given some change to a man on the train, and then a Korean woman was diggin in her purse, so the guy heads over there expecting some change. He's looking in her eyes saying "thank you thank you". Her hand emerges, and she puts some gum in her mouth, and just looks at the guy. Gutted.
Anyway do you give change and if not, why?

Young FRANKenstein · Posted: Tue Nov 06, 2007 6:22 pm Post subject:

I used to, but stopped. I saw a gathering of the blind beggars at one of the line 3 stations and they were being organized by a "handler" as to which train they would get on (going both directions). I can olny assume these people give a percentage of their daily earnings to this guy. I simply won't support the beggars anymore if the money is not for them.

I got taken by another beggar scam as well (I have no money, can you give me omney for a subway ticket?), so I just don't believe them anymore. I'll stick to my charities, where I know my money is going where it is intended.

Juregen · Joined: 30 May 2006

I don't give either.

The ones who really really need it don't go begging for it.

it's are only those who have no self esteem anymore that see it as an easy way to money.

In my student years, a friend of mine wanted to test how much he good get by begging on the street.

He made more money then what most people earn in a day of honest hard work, about 80 Euros, that was ten years ago.

semphoon · Joined: 18 Nov 2005 Location: Where Nowon is

Sometimes if I see an old person collecting cardboard/newspapers etc in the street I will give them money. They are not begging and wanting free money. They work hard for little money. I feel sorry for them and guilty that I make a lot more money for much less effort.

PRagic · Joined: 24 Feb 2006

I had a classic experience at Seoul Station. A beggar came up and sat next to me. He asked in Korean for some money. I just gave the shoulder-shrug. He then asked in English, then in Japanese. He wouldn't go away, so I told him in German that I didn't understand him. I'll be dipped if he didn't ask for money again...in German!

Gave him a thousand won, a smoke, and the rest of my coffee. Hey, the guy was good.

faster · Joined: 03 Sep 2006

I do it pretty often. Not for the beggars (who knows what happens with that money), but for me.

I find it helps me break the dangerous attachment to money (to some degree, of course. I'm not anti-money by any means).

SuperFly · Joined: 09 Jul 2003 Location: In the doghouse

jinju · Joined: 22 Jan 2006

By giving money to beggars you are not helping. Give to an organization that helps them, like a food kitchen or something. Giving money to beggars means they now have money to buy some cheap soju or booze which doesnt help. You are helping them feed their addictions which means they spiral further into oblivion. Shame on anyone who does this.

kermo · Posted: Tue Nov 06, 2007 9:35 pm Post subject:

samd · Joined: 03 Jan 2007

I voted yes, but it depends. If they are visibly spasticated or blind, then yeah. If it's just some old guy shuffling down the aisle, then no.

I am aware of the arguments against giving to beggars, but at a personal level, when you see a guy with no means to support himself, it becomes basic compassion.

Spread the wealth.

Young FRANKenstein · Posted: Tue Nov 06, 2007 9:41 pm Post subject:

jinju · Joined: 22 Jan 2006

It doesnt "depend" and ir doesnt "work a little differently here". People are people. The homeless are homeless because they have a problem that prevents them from NOT being homeless and BY AND LARGE that is a substance abuse problem or some kind of addiction that YOU are helping him feed. And yes, EVEN in Korea there are organizations that help. It is a basic lazyness on YOUR part to assume there are no such safety nets without doing the research first.

kermo · Posted: Tue Nov 06, 2007 9:58 pm Post subject:

jinju · Joined: 22 Jan 2006

therooster · Joined: 11 May 2007

I'm sorry...but how far up your own arse do you have to be to think that people who beg are having a great easy ride in life ?? Ridiculous !!!

Firstly the measly ammount of money people get begging in no ways makes up for the total loss of dignity . Also they have to deal with mean smug bastards like you everyday...in which was is this "easier" than normal work ?

I assume you are all English teachers ....I'd take a good hard look at yourself and your work before you get so precious about "earning your living" .

Mommy and daddy must have caressed your special little bums with the silver spoon ever so gently for you to feel so entitled that you feel it's never your duty to actively help those in society less fortunate than you !

W@nkers !!!

and one more thing...it's only Fekking money.....stop letting it eat your sad little souls !!!!